Map of England showing where the Gibbons arms are recorded
The Gibbons arms were recorded in Oxford, c. 1574.
Oxfordshire was farming country with the university at its centre, and both produced families of standing. Scholars and lawyers who did well bought manors nearby, and holding a manor was the ordinary route to a coat of arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Gibbons arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Oxford.
Origin & History of the Gibbons Family in England
The surname Gibbons traces its roots to the medieval period in England, emerging as a patronymic name derived from the popular personal name Gilbert. It was common for families to adopt the nickname Gib or Gibbon as a way to identify themselves within their local communities. By the late 16th century, the family had established a notable presence in the university city of Oxford. Records from 1574 confirm that members of the Gibbons family were living and working in this academic hub during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. As the family grew, they integrated into the social and professional life of the region, transitioning from simple agricultural or trade backgrounds into the scholarly and civic circles that defined Oxford at the time. This migration into urban centers helped the name spread across the English countryside as family members pursued new opportunities in commerce and education.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. a lion ramp. or, on a bend ar. three crosses formée sa”
DublinDublin, c. 1632
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Map of Ireland showing where the Gibbons arms are recorded
The Gibbons arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1632.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Gibbons arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Gibbons Family in Ireland
The surname Gibbons has deep roots in Ireland, where it evolved as an anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mac Giobúin. This name is derived from a diminutive form of the name Gilbert, which was introduced to the British Isles by the Normans. By the early seventeenth century, members of the family were firmly established in the urban landscape of Dublin. Official records confirm their presence in the city by 1632, suggesting that they were part of the growing merchant and professional classes during a period of significant social change. As the family integrated into Irish society, they spread from the capital into various counties, often becoming associated with local landholding and trade. Their history reflects the broader movement of families who blended Norman origins with the unique cultural and political environment of seventeenth-century Ireland.
Gibbons Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Gilbert
Derived from the Germanic elements for bright pledge or hostage.
This name
GibbonsA patronymic surname meaning son of Gilbert, originating from a medieval personal name.
also spelled
Gibbony
Gibboun
Gibon
Gybbon
Gybbons
Related arms
Gibeonsame arms
Gibsonsame arms
Gybonssimilar arms
Gibonvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Oxfordshire Archives, Oxford City Records: Council Acts and Chamberlains' Accounts, 1574
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
